The Sad King

Journey to the West 84 The Sad King

I wish I had money, ” Bajie moaned. “ All this food looks so good. ” The travelers were walking through a city in the Scarlet Kingdom. The streets were lined with people selling food and other goods. “ Stop thinking about food, Bajie, ” said Wujing. “ What’s going on over there?” asked the Tang Monk. He pointed to a crowd of people reading a sign on a wall.

The travelers walked over to the crowd. The sign read: “ The King of the Scarlet Kingdom is seeking help. Anyone who can defeat demons must report to the royal palace. ” The Tang Monk sighed. “ I don’t want to delay our journey. But you three can defeat demons. We must report to the palace. ” “ Don’t worry, Master, ” said Wukong. “ I’m great at defeating demons. This won’t take long. ”

“ I hope they have food at the palace, ” said Bajie. “ I’m starving. ” The travelers arrived at the palace gate. They spoke with a guard, who then led them into the court. The king sat on his throne, looking very sad. “ Your Majesty, ” said the guard. “ The Tang Monk is here to see you. He says his companions can defeat demons. ”

The king looked up but didn’t say anything. The guard whispered to the travelers. “ His Majesty is very upset. If you can help him, please do. ” Wukong walked up to the king. “ Greetings, Your Majesty. I am Sun Wukong, king of the Fruit and Flower Mountain. You need someone who can defeat demons. Well, here I am! ”

Suddenly the king covered his face with his hands and burst out crying. “ Oh, it’s terrible! ” cried the king. “ I have no hope anymore! ” Wukong scratched his head. “ What’s wrong?” “ The queen—my wife! ” cried the king. “ I’ll never . . . Oh! It’s terrible! ” Wukong frowned. “ Your Majesty, stop crying! ”